Spring Has Sprung - Do Your Listings Look Their Best From the Curb?
The selling season is upon us – so is grass that grows out of control, weeds and unruly flower beds.
Here is a simple test every home owner should use to determine if there home passes the curb appeal test. The old adage "don't judge a book by its cover" does not apply in real estate. Prospective purchasers do judge a home by its curb appeal.
To insure potential buyers don't engage in drive-by tactics, tell your homeowners to take the Curb Appeal Test. First, walk across the street. Next, look objectively at what their home looks like from that vantage point. Then, take the following curb appeal test:
- Are the gutters clean and in good repair?
- How does the driveway look?
- Do the shrubs need pruning?
- Do the trees need trimming?
- How do the flower beds look?
- Is the walkway leading to the house inviting?
- Does the lawn look clean and neat?
- Are the house numbers clearly visible?
- Does the entryway and front door make a great first impression?
- Are toys, tools, hoses and any other distracting items put away?
It is only after answering and addressing the above curb appeal issues that the seller will have passed the test.
Ten Inexpensive Tips for Maximizing Curb Appeal
- Clean the outside of the house including shutters, driveway, walkway, and landing.
- Clean the gutters.
- If there are dead plants in the flower beds, remove them and plant new ones.
- If the shrubs are overgrown prune them.
- Replace the house numbers in favor of more stylish ones if necessary.
- Paint the mailbox.
- Change the outside light fixture. Lowe's or Home Depot have many under $25.00 that will do the trick.
- Put away all hoses, tools and garden implements.
- Make your porch and extension of your living space. Create another room for potential buyers to envision themselves enjoying.
- Red flowers tend to appeal to most people. They symbolize home, welcome and warmth.
Read all of
Amie's home staging principles and tips by clicking here.
Proof is in the Pictures
I recently staged three vacant homes and interest has picked up since they were furnished with just the right accessories and furniture. One Realtor even thought she was in the wrong house!
Staging Success Story: Bob and Mary Nixon
Are you one of those Realtors who think home staging isn't necessary or that it doesn't work? Well, think again! See what this homeowner in Mandeville has to say about Home Staging by Amie:
"We owned a beautiful home in Mandeville and had it on the market for nearly two years. We struggled through a slow market and could not identify a way to bring our home to the point that would stimulate buyers to differentiate us from the competition. We had even been stubborn enough not to consider consultation, as in our eyes we had the perfect house…we didn't need help!
"Well, we were recently introduce to Amie at 'Home Staging by Amie' and because of her friendly style, down to earth approach, and what I consciously perceived as a desire to be engaged, to put our needs in front of her own, and to honestly make a difference, we accepted her assistance.
"After a day of review, moving of furniture, the addition of some accents, and following Amie's recommendations we felt like we lived in a new home. She was amazing; her eye for just the right thing in the right place was startling. My wife and I are pretty creative but we had never considered the changes that Amie made.
"Best of all, our home sold in 2-1/2 months after being staged by Amie! We couldn't be happier. I strongly recommend Amie and believe that you will receive a friend as well as a consultant."
Bob and Mary Nixon, Homeowners
Mandeville, LA
UPDATE: "Our home sold in 2-1/2 months after being staged by Amie. We couldn't be happier."
Bob and Mary Nixon, Homeowners
Mandeville, LA
Contact Amie for a consultation and experience a staging success story of your own.
